Roads & Transport Authority - News Details

As part of its commitment to enhancing health and safety and regulating the operation of recreational off-road motorcycle rental activities, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has carried out a comprehensive field awareness campaign across winter camps. The initiative aimed to raise awareness among licensed outlets about the rules, procedures, and requirements for obtaining permits, as well as the regulations governing the activity, in coordination with the relevant government entities.

The campaign targeted 32 outlets engaged in recreational off-road motorcycle rental activities in Al Awir, where operators were provided with awareness materials in both Arabic and English via a QR code. The materials included Executive Council Resolution No. (18) of 2017 regarding the licensing and regulation of recreational off-road motorcycle use in the Emirate of Dubai, together with a list of regulatory violations, licensing requirements, and establishment obligations set out in the identification card for recreational off-road motorcycle rental activities.

Saeed Al Ramsi, Director of Licensing Activities Monitoring Department at RTA’s Licensing Agency, said: “Through this campaign targeting those engaged in recreational off-road motorcycle rental activities, RTA aimed to disseminate knowledge and emphasise the importance of full compliance with the applicable laws and regulations to ensure the safety, security, and wellbeing of individuals participating in such activities at winter camps.”

He added: “These camps are witnessing increased activity from residents and tourists keen to enjoy recreational off-road motorcycle riding, particularly during this period as the weather becomes more pleasant in the winter season. Organising such campaigns helps project a positive image of these destinations as safe and well-regulated venues for practising this activity, while contributing to enhanced levels of safety and security.”

“The campaign also focused on raising awareness among the targeted entities about Executive Council Resolution No. (18) of 2017 concerning the licensing and regulation of recreational off-road motorcycle use in the Emirate of Dubai. It further aimed to promote understanding of the correct and safe use of recreational off-road motorcycles within designated areas, in compliance with the registration requirements and regulatory obligations applicable to companies, institutions, and individuals, including proof of ownership.”

Executive Council Resolution No. (18) of 2017 concerning the licensing and regulation of recreational off-road motorcycle use in the Emirate of Dubai sets out a series of rules and requirements that rental offices must comply with. Chief among these is maintaining a dedicated register containing the names, nationalities, and ages of recreational off-road motorcycle renters, along with the date, time, and duration of each rental.

Rental offices are also required to provide each renter with a safety guide detailing general safety procedures prior to riding, refrain from renting motorcycles to individuals who are medically unfit or under the age of 16 (unless with parental consent and supervision), and ensure the availability of firefighting and first-aid equipment.

Additional obligations include installing clear safety and guidance signage and refraining from using unlicensed motorcycles or those that do not meet the safety and security standards set by the RTA, in addition to other regulatory requirements.

As part of the awareness campaigns for recreational off-road motorcycle rental activities, an information card was distributed to companies operating in the sector. The card outlined the governing legislation, RTA departments responsible for regulation, and the relevant authorities to be consulted both before and after obtaining a permit. It also detailed the terms and procedures for permit issuance, the obligations of establishment, and the service channels associated with applicable regulatory provisions.